Do you have a chronic disease or condition? Or, do you take care of someone
with a chronic condition? If you do, then you should consider making your
life better by attending the Living Well workshop. The model for this
program, which is a chronic disease self-management course, comes out
of Stanford School of Medicine. The workshops are facilitated by two specially
trained leaders, some of whom are healthcare professionals and some are
not – one or both with chronic diseases themselves.

The workshop teaches participants how to live a quality life even with
a chronic disease. Anyone who has any type of chronic condition or is
the caregiver of an individual with a chronic condition is invited to
attend. Examples of chronic conditions may include diabetes, arthritis,
migraine headaches, back pain, heart disease or any conditions that hinder
you from living the life you desire.

If you have any condition that alters your daily living in any way, you
could benefit from this workshop. Topics covered include:
• How to manage problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
• How to communicate effectively with family, friends and healthcare
professionals
• Nutrition and how it affects our quality of life
• Exercise to improve strength, flexibility and endurance
• How to make daily tasks easier
• How to get more out of life!
• Appropriate use of medications
• How to evaluate new treatment options

The workshop is six classes of two and a half hours each. Participant
feedback rates the classes as highly successful. Much of the success of
the program lies in how it is taught. Classes are interactive and offer
mutual support, leading to the success of the participants and building
confidence in their ability to manage their health.

Atlantic General Hospital is offering this workshop beginning on March
19 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Health and Racquet Club
in Ocean City, 6103 Sea Bay Drive. The workshop will meet each Thursday
until April 23. There is no charge for the classes; however, pre-registration
is required. To register, please call Dawn, at 410-641-9268, or Beverly
at 410-723-2323.